Our visit to Historic Westwood was fantastic! We were met at the door by a friendly tour guide who guided us throughout the house. We were the only guests there, and enjoyed taking our time through each room and learning more about the history. Our tour guide, Patricia, was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging (for both adults and children). They even had an activity that kept our young children engaged for the majority of the tour. We visited Biltmore a few months ago, and I enjoyed Historic Westwood just as much (if not more!) and it was much more accommodating for young children. Will gladly visit again!

They say tours start at the top of the hour but if there isn’t one already in progress they can start anytime. Great house! Wonderful and knowledgeable staff. The studio is an exceptional room and it alone makes the visit worthwhile.

We were warmly welcomed and we were treated to a historically-rich tour of the mansion and description of the life and work of Adelia Armstrong Lutz. During the tour, the docent said that she had studied in Philadelphia in the 1880s and I asked if she might have studied under Thomas Eakins at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts. That led to a very enlightening extended discussion with the historical staff. (It appears that she did study under Eakins, although the evidence available to them was not ironclad). Adelia's studio is preserved virtually unchanged from the days when she painted there. The studio by itself was worth the price of the tour.I had never heard of Adelia Lutz before, and I learned a great deal from the tour. I recommend this place to art lovers and those fascinated by history alike.

A Victorian Christmas tree featuring hand-stitched ornaments, tree-top angel, and velvet skirt designed by members of the Embroiderers' Guild of Knoxville is a highlight of the free Westwood tours in November and December. Over 25 types of needlework are used in the decorations and toys on the tree which was a 3-year project for the Guild. Don't miss their framed portrait of the house in intricate counted cross-stitch resting on one of the mantles.

We hosted a dinner for 22 friends in the beautiful library/art studio at Historic Westwood. Our friends were in awe of this Knoxville treasure and the history of the family who built and lived in Westwood. Knoxville Heritage and the Aslan Foundation are to be commended in leading the effort to preserve this important structure.